5 Irish Rock Bands to Blast Today

March 17, 2017

Saint Patrick's Day marks the one day of the year where even if you're not an environmentalist, you will take pride in going green. It's the one day where "everybody's Irish," so why not go all the way and listen to some of the best knuckle-busting Irish rock bands in the history of music!

U2

If we're going to make a list of Irish rockers, adding U2 to this list is mandatory. With groundbreaking albums (like War, Joshua Tree, and Achtung Baby), 22 Grammys, and philanthropic pursuits that rival most Hollywood celebrities put together, U2 remains one of the most successful rock acts to hit the world's stage. Period.

The Cranberries

Hitting the charts with their signature pop-rock sound, The Cranberries were an Irish band that gave us singles like "Zombie," "Linger,” and "Free To Decide." After taking a six-year-long hiatus, lead singer Dolores O'Riodan and her bandmates reunited to release their 2012 album Roses.

Rory Gallagher

Maybe you've heard of him. Maybe you haven't. Regardless of his level of fame, he was one of the most respected rockers of his time. Jimi Hendrix once considered him to be the best guitarist in the world, and, similar to bands like Led Zeppelin, Gallagher sold millions of albums without ever releasing a single.

Thin Lizzy

Formed in Dublin in 1969 by high school friends, drummer Brian Downey and bassist/vocalist Phil Lynott, Thin Lizzy is responsible for many of the classic rock hits we all know and love, like "The Boys Are Back In Town," "Jailbreak," and "Whiskey In A Jar." Not to mention those twin lead guitars!

Dropkick Murphys

Honestly, how could we make a list of Irish rockers and not mention these guys? Beloved throughout the world for their Celtic punk sound, the Dropkick Murphys have been one of the few bands that will make you want to headbang and mosh to the sound of a banjo. Let’s be real: No Saint Patrick's day would be complete without these guys in your eardrums!

BONUS: Van Morrison

Van "The Man" Morrison didn't just specialize in jazz rock. He specialized in jazz that would change and evolve his songs in a live setting. Morrison was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, won six Grammys, and is responsible for the timeless hit "Brown Eyed Girl."